Interactive multi-player audio gaming device

ABSTRACT

An interactive gaming system, preferably including multiple interactive storage medium devices, such as digital audio players. The interactive gaming system enables multiple users to link digital audio players to a central unit, whereby game play is structured around the selection of audio data in accordance to preprogrammed gaming content. The interactive gaming system further comprises a speaker and circuit board assembly operatively connected to buttons and lights, whereby multiple users may compete to answer questions and/or statements regarding audio data included in the users&#39; digital audio players.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/913,036 entitled “Interactive Multi-Player Audio Gaming Device” filedon Apr. 20, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an interactive gaming system, and inparticular to a system where multiple users link audio players to acentral unit, whereby game play is structured around the selection ofaudio data in accordance to gaming content.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interactive gaming systems are well known in the industry. Such systemsinclude a variety of attributes that trigger game play. For example, theGiga Pets Explorer by Tiger Electronics combines a portable hand heldgaming device with a TV for expanded play. “SIMON” is a well-knownelectronic version that combines lights and sound to enhance a user'sgaming experience. While these gaming systems are well known, there isalways a continuing need for improvements or changes in the gamingexperience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided aninteractive gaming system that includes a central unit having an upperand lower housing to accommodate a plurality of buttons, a plurality ofinput/output ports and a plurality of light sources. A circuit boardassembly is position within the central unit and mounted to the lowerhousing and includes a processor in electrical communication with eachlight source, each button and each input/output port. The interactivegaming system further includes a means to operatively connect to theplurality of input/output ports to a plurality of storage medium devicesand a means to transfer data from the storage medium devices to theprocessor. The pre-programmed gaming content when activated by theprocessor facilitates the receipt, organization and transfer of datareceived from the plurality of storage medium devices. This data is usedin accordance with the pre-programmed gaming content to trigger gameplay and prompt user responses.

The means to transfer data from the plurality of storage medium devicesto the processor may further include having each I/O port in electricalconnection with a corresponding storage medium device to receive datafrom the storage medium devices. Each I/O port would also be inelectrical connection with an amplifier and a multiplexer for datatransfer. The amplifier is able to receive and convert the data intodigital signals for suitable input to the processor, such that when theprocessor utilizes the preprogrammed gaming content to select one of thedigital signals based on parameters included in the preprogrammed gamingcontent it can activate one or more of the plurality of light sources inaccordance thereto. In addition, the processor may further direct themultiplexer to transfer the selected digital signal to an audioamplifier for output via a speaker. In addition, one of the parametersincluded in the preprogrammed gaming content can direct the processor toselect the digital signal first received by the plurality of amplifiersfor output to the speaker. Yet further, when a user presses one of theplurality of buttons, a second parameter included in the preprogrammedcontent directs the processor to select the next digital signal receivedafter the digital signal first received for output to the speaker. Thesystem may also include a means to prompt user interaction byincorporating cards with questions and/or statements to direct a user tosend data from a user's storage medium device to the processor via themeans to transfer data in accordance with the preprogrammed gamingcontent.

The system may further include an LCD, questions and/or statements fordisplay on the LCD, and means to prompt user interaction byincorporating the questions and/or statements displayed on the LCD todirect a user to send data from a user's storage medium device to theprocessor via the means to transfer data in accordance with thepreprogrammed gaming content.

For use with the system, the storage medium device may include digitalaudio players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a first embodiment of an interactivegaming system;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the internal components of a firstembodiment of an interactive gaming system;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components of a first embodiment of aninteractive gaming system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an interactive gaming system for a firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a second embodiment of an interactivegaming system.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of a third embodiment of an interactivegaming system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will described herein, indetail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should beunderstood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or embodimentsillustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance to a first embodiment,there is illustrated an interactive gaming system 100 that includes acentral unit 110 capable of being connected to a plurality ofinteractive storage medium devices 105. The central unit 110 has anexternal housing that includes an upper housing 115 and a lower housing120. The upper housing 115 includes a plurality of apertures toaccommodate a plurality of input and/or output ports (I/O ports) 130,one or more buttons 135 and a plurality of lights 140.

There are several types of interactive storage medium devices known inthe art, including audio players (both digital and analog), digitalcameras, PDAs, etc. Virtually any type of interactive storage medium maybe used with the interactive gaming system 100 without deviating fromthe spirit of the invention. In accordance to a first embodiment, theinteractive gaming system 100 is shown and described using one or moredigital audio player(s). As known in the art, digital audio players havethe capability to store and play audio data, along with several otherfeatures, including the capability to synch with a PC to download andupload audio data. The use of “digital audio players” herein is notmeant to limit the scope of the types of interactive storage mediums.Those in the art will understand that a variety of interactive storagemediums may be utilized with the present invention.

The external housing may take on several different three-dimensionalgeometric shapes. Virtually any three-dimensional shape may be usedwithout deviating from the spirit of the invention as the outsideappearance of the external housing is not meant to limit the scope ofthe invention. In accordance to a first embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the external housing is in the shape of a three dimensionaloval.

An integrated circuit (IC) (described below) housed in the central unit110 generates content in accordance to a program or programs and/or inaccordance to the input received from the digital audio players. Thegenerated content would be considered interactive or evolving with aplay pattern designed in the programming. The generated content mayinclude graphic and/or audio information or data. The information ordata may be generated or converted into any type of signal or formatneeded for playing the content, such as, but not limited to digital,analog, wav, mpeg, mov, etc. The content would include audio data foremitting through a speaker (or headphones) and digital data for displayon an integral display (as shown in a second embodiment describedbelow). The content may also include vibrations or other motorizedmovement (such as that found in email alerts or more sophisticatedgaming systems).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 and as mentioned in relation to a thefirst embodiment, digital audio players 105, such as MP3 players, may beconnected to the central unit 110 by a first means to communicate 145.The first communication means 145 includes a wired communication. Whilenot critical to the present invention, the first communication means 145would include cables or wires 150 from output ports 155 on the digitalaudio players 105 to I/O ports 130 on the central unit that operativelyconnect the digital audio players 105 to the central unit 110. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the central unit 110 canoperatively connect to the digital audio players 105 in a variety offorms. Therefore, a second communication means (not shown) in theinteractive gaming system may include a wireless communication. Thewireless communication would be facilitated by well known wirelesscomponents such as a transmitter/receiver. The components needed tofacilitate either modes of communication are widely available and knownin the art, such that further reference is not needed.

Once the one or more digital audio players 105 are connected to thecentral unit 110 the game may commence. In accordance to one gamingembodiment involving multiple players, the gaming content and userinteraction can be described in the following “play pattern.” To startplay, one or more users plug their digital audio players 105 intoseparate I/O ports 130. A power switch (not shown) is triggered toactivate the interactive gaming system 100. A user then draws a cardincluding a question from the deck provided (or in the case where thereis an LCD integral to the central unit 110, a question appears on thedisplay in accordance with gaming content). Based on the content of thecard, each of the users scroll through their digital audio players 105to find audio data that satisfies the requested content. The users thenpress “play” on their digital audio players 105. The corresponding audiodata is sent from the digital audio players 105 to amplifiers and amultiplexer (described below) via the I/O ports 130. The amplifiers 180convert the analog signal(s) to digital signal(s) and are then inputtedto an IC. Simultaneously, the analog signals are sent to the multiplexerfrom the I/O ports 130. The IC sends a signal to the multiplexer toidentify which of the user's audio signals were received first and theIC sends a signal to LED drivers to direct a LED corresponding to adigital audio player to switch to a light on phase. The first audiosignal, here an analog signal, received will then be transferred to theaudio amplifier, where the signal strength is regulated for output viathe speaker. As the speaker emits the analog signal, the users maydetermine whether the song satisfies the requested content from thedrawn card (additionally, the appropriate program may be included in theIC to identify whether a selected song meets the requested content). Ifthe users determine that the selected audio signal is an appropriateanswer, a point system may be utilized to keep track of each user'sscore. If the users determine that the selected audio signal is not anappropriate answer, the next button 135 may be pressed to activate aswitch. The switch sends a signal to the IC directing the IC to selectthe analog signal received second. This information is then transferredto the multiplexer which sends the appropriate analog signal to theaudio amplifier, and then to the speaker. This process may be repeateduntil a user's analog signal is found that satisfies the requestedcontent of the card.

There is a virtually unlimited amount of play patterns that can beincluded in the gaming content. The example above is meant to be but oneof the many and is not meant to limit the invention in any manner.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower housing 120 provides a baseto mount the internal components to the central unit 110, including acircuit board assembly (CBA) 160, a speaker. 165, and a power source170. For wired communication, the I/O ports 130 may be mounted to theupper housing 115. These I/O ports 130 receive data, such as audio data,transferred from the digital audio players 105. Utilizing an electricalconnection (described below), the analog signals are transferred to amultiplexer 175 and to the CBA 160 where they are received by aplurality of amplifiers 180. These amplifiers 180 convert the analogsignals to a digital signal suitable for input to the IC 185. The IC 185then utilizes a program included in a memory (described below) to selectone of the analog signals based on the program's parameters. Forexample, when multiple analog signals are sent to the amplifiers 180, aprogram may direct the IC 185 to select the first analog signal receivedfrom the amplifiers 180. In this example, the IC 185 would then directthe multiplexer 175 to transfer the corresponding analog signal to anaudio amplifier 190. The audio amplifier 190 then adjusts the frequencylevel of the analog signal and transfers the analog signal to thespeaker 165 for output.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, a control button, such as a “next”button 135, is in contact with a switch 136, permitting a user to pressthe next button and trigger the switch 136. The switch and next button135 are mounted to the upper housing 115. Further, the switch 136 is incommunication with the IC 185 by an electrical connection that permitsthe transfer of information. When the next button 135 is pressed, acontrol signal is sent to the IC 185 via the electrical connection.

The processor(s) (described below) accesses game content (such aspreprogrammed signals or audio content) stored on a memory (describedbelow) in the IC 185. Further, the IC 185, amplifiers 180 (describedbelow), and plurality of LED drivers 195 are in communication with apower source to access power for activation and operation.

In the first embodiment, the interactive gaming system 100 includes ameans to trigger game play and responses utilizing interactive storagemediums. An example of the triggered game play and responses is includedin a “play pattern” example below.

Also, the interactive gaming system 100 includes a means to structuregame play based on input from the digital audio players 105.

Additionally, the interactive gaming system 100 includes a means toprompt user interaction with a series of questions and/or statements.These questions and/or statements may be included in a deck of cards orincluded in gaming content for display on an LCD where an LCD isincluded in the central unit as illustrated in FIG. 5. Further, thequestions and/or statements could be included on a DVD for viewing on anexternal display during play.

Further, in accordance to the first embodiment, the interactive gamingsystem 100 includes a means to utilize a plurality of digital audioplayers in accordance with interactive gaming content. As mentionedabove, the gaming content is considered interactive or evolving with aplay pattern designed in the programming. The gaming content would atleast include control and audio information and/or data. The data may begenerated or converted into any type of signal or format needed forplaying or transferring the gaming content, such as but not limited todigital, analog, wav, etc. As such, when signals are transferred fromthe digital audio players or a control button, the interactive gamingsystem responds based on the programming contained within the gamingcontent enabling a user to interact with the interactive gaming systemin a variety of different capacities. An example of this interaction isincluded in a “play pattern” example below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a block diagram providedespecially for the first embodiment of the interactive gaming system100. A central unit 110 includes I/O ports 130 to receive an output pin(not shown) from the digital audio players 105. The digital audioplayers 105 communicate with the CBA 160 via the I/O ports 130 and anelectrical connection 196 that permits the transfer of information.Utilizing the electrical connection 196, data (such as audio content,including analog signals, etc.) can travel between the digital audioplayer 105 and the CBA 160. Included within the CBA 160 are theamplifiers 180, a multiplexer 175 and an IC 185. The amplifiers 180 andthe multiplexer 175 receive the analog signal(s) from the digital audioplayers 105. The amplifiers 180 transfer the analog signal(s) to the IC185 after converting the analog signal(s) to a digital format readableby the IC 185. The IC 185 may then send a control signal to themultiplexer based on preprogrammed gaming content. Simultaneously, theIC 185 may also send a control signal to the plurality of LED drivers195.

Further, a control button, such as a “next” button 135, is in contactwith a switch 136, permitting a user to press the next button 135 andtrigger the switch 136. The switch 136 is in communication with the IC185 by an electrical connection that permits the transfer ofinformation. When the next button 135 is pressed, a control signal issent to the IC 185 via the electrical connection 196. The IC 185 maythen take this control signal and respond according to preprogrammedgaming content.

While receiving a control signal from the IC 185, the LED drivers 195also receive an appropriate amount of power from the power source 170via the electrical connection 196. The lights 140 are preferably a lightemitting diode (LED). These LEDs 140 may have any number of differentcolors, or include a white LED with a lens of desired color. Utilizingthe preprogrammed control signal(s) the IC 185 then directs the LEDdrivers 195 to transfer the appropriate amount of power to the LEDs 140to activate a desired state. Examples of a desired state include a“light on,” a “light off,” or a varying level of illumination for theLEDs 140. The power is obtained from the power source 170 while the datais obtained from a processor(s) 197. The processor(s) 197 is designed torun the program(s) stored on a memory 198.

Now referring to the communication between the IC 185 and themultiplexer 175, the multiplexer 175 receives several different analogor digital signals from the I/O ports 130, and then forwards a signalselected by the IC 185 on to the audio amplifier 190. In accordance toprogramming, the multiplexer 175 is used to forward on the first signalreceived by the IC 185 from a corresponding digital audio player 105.For example, when the digital audio players 105 send audio data to theI/O ports 130 in response to a user's input, a signal is sent via anelectrical connection 196 to the IC 185 (and via the amplifiers 180, asdescribed above) and the multiplexer 175. The IC 185 contains theprocessor(s) 197 and may include the memory 198. The memory 198 furtherincludes programming to facilitate and direct content, control signals,and data within the central unit 110. The IC 185 is also incommunication with the power source 170. The memory 198 contains gamingcontent. The processor(s) 197 in the IC 185 accesses the gaming contentbased on a program and/or in accordance to the generated signalsreceived from the I/O ports 130. The processor(s) then generates aresponse that includes signals and may be in the form of analog,digital, or control signals. From the processor(s) 197, control signalsare sent to the multiplexer 175 to select the analog signal (here,containing audio data) transferred to the audio amplifier 190 whilecontrol signals are transferred to the LED drivers 195 via an electricalconnection 196. The LED drivers 195 then direct the LEDs 140 to changeto a desired state, based on a program and/or in accordance to a user'sinput or preprogrammed response. The audio amplifier 190 simultaneouslytransfers the analog signals to the speaker 165.

Now referring to FIG. 5, in accordance to a second embodiment, there isillustrated an interactive gaming system 200 that includes a pluralityof digital audio players 205 and a central unit 210 that includes a LCD212. While the functionality and communication of the second embodimentare similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment furtherprovides the LCD 212 to enable the questions and/or statements describedabove to be included within the central unit 110 and displayed on theLCD 212. Similar to the first embodiment, a processor(s) accesses gamingcontent (such as preprogrammed signals or audio content) stored on amemory in an IC.

Now referring to FIG. 6, in accordance to a third embodiment, there isillustrated an interactive gaming system 300 that includes a centralunit 110 capable of being connected to a plurality of microphones 305with a button 310. While the functionality and communication of thethird embodiment are similar to the first and second embodiments, thethird embodiment further provides game play incorporating voice inputfrom users, transferred to a processor(s) as data. Similar to the firstand second embodiments, the processor(s) accesses gaming content to usein accordance with the receipt of voice input.

From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed thatnumerous variations and modifications may be effected without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It isto be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methodsand apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

1. An interactive gaming system comprising: a central unit including anupper and lower housing to accommodate a plurality of buttons, aplurality of I/O ports and a plurality of light sources; a circuit boardassembly mounted to said lower housing including a processor havingpre-programmed gaming content stored on a memory, the processor inelectrical communication with each light source, each button and eachI/O port; means to operatively connect said plurality of I/O ports to aplurality of storage medium devices; means to transfer data from saidplurality of storage medium devices to said processor; thepre-programmed gaming content when activated by the processorfacilitates the receipt, organization and transfer of data received fromsaid plurality of storage medium devices; and wherein said interactivegaming system utilizes said data in accordance with said preprogrammedgaming content to trigger game play and prompt user responses.